The Gel Half Pad

The Gel Half Pad

Designed to eliminate painful pressure points caused by saddle slipping, the gel half pad is an innovative addition to the range of rider-safe saddle pads.gel half pad Made from a high-tech material called VIP, it is non-slip, extremely lightweight and can absorb shock – it was originally developed for wheelchair users to help prevent pressure sores. The gel is bonded to the saddle pad or numnah, which makes it a good choice for use with close contact saddles and bridles.

When used in combination with a saddle fitted to the horse’s individual needs, it can provide excellent support to sensitive areas such as the mutton withers or weak toplines. It can also improve the comfort of the horse during riding, as it minimises shock and weight, and reduces heat and inconsistencies of saddle fit.

However, while there is a wide variety of saddle pads available to riders, some types are better than others in terms of both the way they distribute pressure and their ability to raise the horses back. The type of pad you choose will depend on the discipline that you ride, and if you have an unusually shaped horse, or have problems with saddle fit you should discuss your options with a qualified saddle fitter before choosing the best option.

Many people will slip a gel or foam half pad underneath their saddle to make it more comfortable for the horse. However, depending on the material of the half pad and how well it fits under the saddle, it could do more harm than good. A recent British study quantified the effect of three different half pads on pressure distribution beneath a saddle fitted according to industry guidelines. The control (cotton saddle cloth) was compared with a wool, gel and medical-grade foam half pad on 12 nonlame horses in sitting trot and canter.

It was found that using a gel half pad significantly increased pressure beneath the saddle in the cranial area, while increasing mean and peak pressures in the caudal region. The foam and wool half pads decreased these pressures, but the results were mixed and dependent on the horse. The key seems to be that the cushioning properties of natural fibres are effective, and the reindeer fur in particular. However, this might not be practical, as it can be difficult to obtain the right thickness and may require specialist trimming. Foam and gel pads deform when loaded, dispersing the impact energy before they rebound, and the characteristics of the material will influence how quickly they recover their original shape, so there is considerable variation between different types of saddle pad. A good quality, thin wool filling is ideal for providing maximum shock absorption without compromising the close contact feeling.

Tags:5-star pad